Appointments made to the board at Ayrshire College

Alan McGregor has joined Ayrshire College's Board of Management.

Leading figures from the public, private and third sectors have joined Ayrshire College’s Board of Management.

The appointments complement a strong board chaired by Willie Mackie, who was appointed by the Education Secretary in March.

The new appointments are James English, General Manager at Hyspec Precision Engineering; Professor Alan McGregor, Professor of Economic Development at the University of Glasgow; Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Robin Northcote; and Fiona Skilling, General Manager of the Council for Voluntary Organisations (East Ayrshire).

New board members joined college staff for a development day at the Ayr Racecourse on 20 August to discuss plans for the new academic session which begins on 8 September.

Willie Mackie, Chair of the Board of Management of Ayrshire College said “I am delighted to welcome Alan, Fiona, James and Robin to serve as Board members. Their insights and expertise will complement the skills and experience of existing board members, and will be instrumental in helping the College achieve its vision to raise aspirations, inspire achievement and increase opportunities for the people and communities of Ayrshire.”

A survey carried out in March this year by Colleges Scotland survey showed that 65 per cent of members on college boards of management were men.

Earlier this year the Scottish Government carried out a consultation, Women on Board, to gather views from individuals, public bodies and other organisations on how to ensure a minimum of 40% of women’s representation on public boards.

Ayrshire College is leading the college sector in achieving a balanced representation of women and men – the board of management has the same number of women as men.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell said “The Scottish Government wants to see women better represented at the highest levels of public authorities and is leading by example with more women in the Cabinet. “